Geocaching

Mex, Karmex and I did a little caching on our IL hike.

The first cache was a multi-cache to look at small IL cemeteries.

And figure out hints.

We skipped the rest of the cemeteries, but had an interesting time looking around the first one.

After that, we found some genuine caches.

And saw some interesting scenery along the way.

This one was a little difficult to find.

I almost fell into the mine.

I may have squealed when I DID find it!

Earth cache.

Bushwhacking.

And..someday I need to learn to log these caches right after I find them!

{28 July 2012}

Hiking in the N. Illinois Lake District

 A-hiking we will go.

Well...some of us.

Mex, Karmx and I went hiking near Karmx's abode.

On a glorious day.

 And I say SOME of us...

because Mex did some running, skipping, hopping, jogging...

and maybe a few pushups

while Karmx and I walked.

Here, she sees how many times she can run around the bench

before we catch up.

 The hike...we'll rate it easy.

But the path wasn't paved.

And there were lots of trees.

 Some water.

Some flowers.

 And plenty of opportunities for discussion.

This is the list of things to look up later.

The end.

{28July2012}

Back at the hive {nest?}

Well,

It looks like a beehive hairdo.

So. I shall dub it hive.

Yes.

This precious little creation

is hanging out in the crabapple tree.

Literally.

{August 2012}

My short-lived modelling career

 Serendipity was having a trunk show.

And all the ladies wanted to see the sweaters on.

So I obliged.

I decided to make this one.

With perhaps some sleeve alterations.

{26July2012}

Great River Days

 Down by the river,

In the summertime

 Muscatine puts on a festival

called Great River Days.

They have all the carnival foods.

 All the carnival rides

And really pretty night-time (and day-time, too) sights!

{July2012}

Leftunders

Sometimes, leftovers can be inspiring.

And pretty, even.

{July2012}

Garden friend

I found this dude in the garden

one night while I was watering.

{July2012}

Ski show

 For something different to do,

we went to see the Backwater Gamblers

last time the 'phews were in town.

 Look who met us there!!

 The ski show was pretty amazing...

imagine one boat pulling this many people!

 And that many people

piling up into pyramids like this.

Oh, and here's what the boat does when its NOT pulling.

Lots-o-power, perhaps?

{July2012}

Kitty-kats

 My sister has a gargantuan cat.

His name is Sylvester.

Even though he's huge,

he's pretty much a ragdoll.

Welll...during my nephews' birthday party,

we discovered some kittens next door.

And this one is a mini-Sylvester.

Hmmm.

{21July2012}

Nephew #1 turns 10

 My sister makes the coolest cakes.

Currently, my 10-year-old nephwe has a snapping turtle in his room.

Its tiny.

So...his cake said 'Snappy Birthday'.

And we got to watch him open presents.

The pile was a little smaller this year.

{21July2012}

The Last Day (in Michigan's U.P.)

I was up early on Sunday.

Big surprise, right?

But it was worth it.

 To see the sun rise over the lake.

Hear the seagulls cooing instead of sqwaking.

Enjoy the quiet with my Bible.

And a good friend.

 After meets, 4 of us headed west and one headed south.

The westward-bound got a good view of the bridge,

so we stopped to wave Mex on.

Well, three of us did.

Shax just got attacked by the gulls.

They must like M&M's

and be able to recognize the package.

She ran screaming back to the car.

{15July2012}

Olympic knit-a-long

Serendipity Yarn Shoppe

is hosting an Olympic knit-a-long.

Abi of High Prairie Fibers

worked her fingers off to make all the yarn

for this knit-a-long.

So.

She was crowned queen of the night.

There were 36 knitters in the little shop.

It was insane.

It was fun!

And the projects are already showing up in the shop!

{26July2012}

Mackinac Island

Next on our UP agenda:

Mackinac Island

 We didn't Hightail It to the island,

but we did get there!

One of the first things I noticed as we were pulling up

were all the horses waiting for goods and passengers.

 We sauntered to the Grand Hotel,

but decided not to pay the price for the buffet and inside view.

 So instead, the gals figured out what we were going to do.

They decided on the ride around the island.

My bike had a pink flower.

Sooo appropriate!

Obligatory bikes-and-horses photo.

And, at the end of the day, we got fireworks!

Overall, another good (and full) day in the lives of the travelling.

{14July2012}

Pictured Rocks Cruising

Our last part of the day was a

sunset cruise along the Pictured Rocks.

 We learned all about the different minerals

that leach out of the sandstone

to cause these 'pictures.'

 We were inspired by the kayakers.

 Amazed by the colors.

 Over and over again.

 We saw arches.

 Squeaked into a cove...

the boat BARELY fit!

 Saw THE tree with its roots crossing over to the mainland.

And were treated to a Comfort Inn sunset.

Oh, what a beautiful day.

{13July2012}